Jacksonville church, community leader victimized; equipment stolen

One of Jacksonville’s leaders in helping steer at-risk youths, adults and ex-cons fell prey himself this week.

The Rev. Mark Griffin of Wayman Ministries on the Westside said someone stole a trailer, van and lawn equipment the church uses in a program that employs ex-offenders in the community.

He said a church official noticed the van was missing Tuesday afternoon and called police.

Whoever stole the van also cut a hole in a chain-link fence, opening about a 30-foot gap, so the van could be stolen off the property, according to the Sheriff’s Office incident report. Both sets of keys were accounted for in the church office.

Griffin and Wayman Ministries have made it a priority to help former inmates transition back into the community with two programs that have employed about 40 people in four years. The first was a car wash, but about two years ago, the church expanded to lawn care.

With spring rains come more work, so “This is absolutely the worst time,” Griffin said. “... It is disappointing that someone would take those assets that we use to help employ individuals who struggle with obtaining employment.”

He said the van was white with burgundy lettering on the side, including the words Wayman Chapel and The Rev. Mark Griffin.

“This is not going to discourage us from helping those who need help,” he said.

Griffin said anyone who wants to help the church can contact Wayman Ministries at (904) 739-7500.

Anyone with information about what happened can contact the Sheriff’s Office at (904) 630-0500.